Termites vs. Carpenter Ants in the Bay Area: Why Misidentification Costs Thousands
- Jameson Elam
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
Introduction
You notice small insects crawling near a window frame. Maybe there’s frass or sawdust on the sill. A quick search online tells you it could be either termites or carpenter ants.
Most homeowners assume it is the less serious one—until walls start to sag or buckle.
At Good Sense Termite, we have seen homeowners lose thousands of dollars due to misidentifying these pests. Here is how to tell the difference and why expert identification matters.
Termites vs. Carpenter Ants: Key Differences
Feature | Termites | Carpenter Ants |
Waist shape | Broad, no pinch (straight) | Narrow, pinched “wasp-like” waist |
Antennae | Straight or slightly curved | Elbowed (bent) |
Wings (swarmers) | Equal length front and back | Front wings longer than back |
Frass (droppings) | Tiny, pellet-shaped | Shavings or sawdust |
Feeding | Eat wood | Excavate wood, do not eat it |
Colony location | Inside wood or underground | Inside wood, often damp or moist |
Why Misidentification Happens
Swarming insects look similar during mating season
Both leave frass or debris near windows and trim
Both are active in dark spaces and often go unseen
DIY treatments usually target one pest, not the other, leading to ongoing damage
Bay Area Case Study: Los Altos Homeowner
Saw insect wings on a window sill and assumed ants
Used store-bought ant gel
Six months later: Active Drywood termite colony in rafter tails
Total cost: $11,200 in repairs and treatment
Good Sense Termite’s Identification Process
We make sure you know exactly what you are dealing with:
Microscopic evaluation of frass, wings, or insect bodies if needed
Clear reports explaining species, risk, and next steps
14+ years of local expertise distinguishing termites from ants
FAQ
Can ants cause as much damage as termites?
Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they can hollow out framing. Termites usually cause more damage in less time.
What if I already treated for ants but still see damage?
You need a professional inspection. Ant treatments will not stop a termite colony.
Can I send you a photo to identify the pest?
Yes. feel free to send your pest photos to us via text: (408) 418 9152, we'll have our licensed inspectors do their best to identify what pest you're dealing with.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Pest Before You Act
Guessing wrong costs more than calling a pro. At Good Sense Termite, we identify the pest first and back it with the right treatment plan.
Schedule your free inspection today to make sure you are fighting the right pest with the right solution.
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